Woodland Walks
5 woodland walks near our dog-friendly log cabins
There are fantastic woodland walks to enjoy near to our dog-friendly log cabins. And they are a brilliant choice for dogs with plenty of trees to run between and piddle on, puddles to splash through, new smells to sniff, and good protection from the weather. Here’s our guide to the top five woodland walks that both dogs and owners will appreciate.
1. Hyning Scout Wood. Grid ref: SD501735
Hyning Scout Wood sits in between Yealand Conyers and Warton, approximately 5 miles from our dog-friendly log cabins. Covering 52 acres, with much of the south side being semi-natural ancient woodland, there’s always some tree spotting to be done – look out for the mature sweet chestnuts and beeches in particular.
Part of the Arnside & Silverdale AONB, the wood has formed on limestone pavement and you’ll see large boulders scattered throughout. Relatively flat and dry, the north-west side of the wood can become slippery where you cross the limestone. You’ll find plenty of well-used footpaths that offer good circular walks and link up with other public footpath routes.
2. Dobshall Wood. Grid ref: SD 456 777
The beauty of Dobshall Wood is that it links in with Grubbins Wood, Frith Wood, Arnside Knott Wood and Red Hills Wood. This multi-wooded area sits between the coast at Arnside and the Knott behind the village, so you can choose a short or long walk and benefit from the stunning views regardless of the number of miles covered.
Discerning dogs recommend combining a walk here with a paw-cooling paddle in the sea and a stop at one of the village pubs or the ever-popular chip shop (sharing compulsory). There are benches right along the promenade so it’s ideal for al fresco re-fueling.
3. Crag Wood. Grid ref: SD457806
The west side of the River Kent estuary is less commonly explored but it offers a fantastic view across to Arnside that’s not to be missed. Crag Wood is situated here, and takes in Latterbarrow nature reserve, the Halecat woodlands, and the borders of Witherslack Mosses. It also includes part of the Cumbria coastal path so it’s easy to connect a walk here to wider routes.
We recommend a post-walk stop at the Derby Arms in Witherslack, a dog-friendly pub that retains all of its historic coaching house charm. In the colder months, there are fireside resting opportunities for dogs and humans.
4. Fellside Wood. Grid ref: SD562880
This is a young broad-leaved woodland near to the village of Old Hutton, just outside of Kendal. Less than 10 years old, it boasts all of the attractions of the more mature spaces on our list plus one or two more. After the smells of the wood itself, dogs can enjoy an open meadow and several small becks. For those of us not on four legs, there are spectacular views of the Lake District fells.
Although there are green lanes and country roads forming part of the walking routes local to Fellside Wood, there is very little traffic and plenty of flower-laden grass verges.
5. Spring Wood. Grid ref: SD482984
We’ve picked another ‘cheat’ in Staveley, where there are three woods than can be used for short, circular walks or linked together for a longer walk. Dorothy Farrer’s Spring Wood, High Wood and Beddard’s Wood are part of a local nature reserve and, if we are honest, we’ve picked them for human rather than canine enjoyment value. In Spring, the woodland floor is carpeted with bluebells and wild garlic, and the area is ideal for nature lovers and bird watchers. Look out for purple orchids, Paris, pied or spotted flycatchers, redstarts and treecreepers.
When you’ve completed your walk, it’s a short stride along the river to the village’s Mill Yard and its dog-friendly café, Wilf’s.
We’re looking forward to hearing about your woodland walks when you stay in one of our dog-friendly log cabins!
Sheryl, Paul & the Lakeland Lodges team